Every Way Back To You (The Home We Make)

Rowan’s been in love with Eli since they were fifteen. But Eli never saw it, and Rowan never said a word. Not when they dated other people. Not when their lives drifted in different directions. And definitely not when Rowan finally tried to let go and let someone else in. That someone else nearly killed him. After a brutal attack leaves Rowan in a hospital bed, Eli finally sees what’s been in front of him all along. But seeing it and acting on it are two different things. Rowan is broken, hurting, and afraid – and Eli refuses to risk what little safety he’s found by rushing in. As Rowan begins to heal, Eli learns to be the safe place he's always needed. Rowan learns to let himself lean on the only person he's ever truly wanted. But the man who hurt him is still out there, and it's only a matter of time before he comes back. All Eli can do is stay close, keep Rowan safe, and hope that somewhere in the quiet moments between fear and healing, they’ll find their way back to each other — for real this time. Tropes + Themes: Dual First-Person POV Best Friends to Lovers Childhood Friend Romance Slow Burn Hurt + Comfort Protective Lover Touch Him and Die Angst Gallows Humor Touch Starved MC Trauma Recovery Domestic Fluff Extrovert + Introvert Soft D/s vibes Content Warnings: Emotional abuse Psychological abuse Physical violence Sexual Coercion Off-page SA Drugging Attempted Murder Stalking + Harassment PTSD + Trauma Responses Consensual Intimate Scenes